There are fears the legislation would stop silence charities and voluntary organisations from campaigning in the run up to a general election

Andrew Lansley has been forced to execute an embarrassing retreat on the controversial lobbying bill.

The legislation has been widely criticised amid fears it would stop silence charities and voluntary organisations from campaigning in the run up to a general election.

In a U-turn, the House of Commons leader announced the Government would now be amending the bill.

He said he would changing the wording to make clear that the ban on campaigning only applies to organisations trying to “promote” the success of a candidate.

But opponents said they would wait to see the full details before welcoming the climb down.

There are still fears that the Transparency of Lobbying, Third Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill will stop trade unions from supporting Labour at the election.

Mr Lansley said: “I am confident that these changes will ensure that the concerns raised about the effect of the Bill on campaigning activities of charities have now been met.

“In doing so, the Bill will continue to meet the necessary objective of giving transparency and proper regulation wherever third parties seek to have an influence directly on the outcome of elections.”

But Shadow Commons leader Angela Eagle MP said: “This is a Bill that tries to gag charities and campaigners whilst letting vested interests off the hook.

Ian Vogler

Vested interests: shadow commons leader Angela Eagle (right)

“David Cameron has been forced in to making amendments to one small part of the Bill – but we are clear that this is no way near enough.

"Labour remains concerned about a wide range of the Bill’s proposals which would have a chilling effect on the quality of our national debate.

“A slightly loosened gag is still a gag.

“The Government is using this legislation to try to insulate themselves against legitimate criticism in the run up to an election.

"That is an affront to our democracy and they should go back to the drawing board.”